House Passes Bold Stolen Valor Bill Against Fraudulent Military Veterans

On April 9, the Arizona House passed a groundbreaking bill aimed at criminalizing false claims made by political candidates, which has stirred significant debate among lawmakers.

Introduced by Rep. Walt Blackman, R-Snowflake, Senate Bill 1424 would define impersonating a veteran for personal gain as a felony crime. The legislation encompasses various deceptive practices, including falsely claiming military service or misrepresenting awards like medals or badges.

Rep. Blackman, a veteran himself, emphasized the measure’s purpose: it seeks to protect the integrity of those who have legitimately served in the military. He stated that those who did not enlist should not profit by falsely claiming honors that carry profound personal sacrifice.

However, not all lawmakers are in agreement. Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, raised concerns, suggesting the bill sets a troubling precedent by allowing the judiciary to intervene in political discourse.

Kolodin pointed to examples from history, arguing that the determination of a candidate’s honesty should rest with voters, not the courts. He noted a recent GOP primary candidate lost significantly after lying about military service, asserting that the electoral process effectively holds politicians accountable.

In response, Blackman stressed that the bill is not merely about political speech. He clarified that it specifically addresses the exploitation of veteran status in campaigns, asserting that individuals would still be free to claim veteran status but would be prohibited from using such claims to solicit votes or donations.

Blackman contrasted the honorable sacrifices of real veterans with those who seek to profit from falsely wearing their accolades. “Every single one of these medals is not about political speech,” he declared, emphasizing the weight of honor behind them.

While Kolodin was the only dissenting vote, other lawmakers, like Rep. Joseph Chaplik, expressed concerns regarding the potential for misuse of the law. He acknowledged his support for the bill but cautioned about the implications of using criminal law in political matters.

This marks the second attempt by Blackman to push this legislation through the House. After an earlier version was tabled by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Elections, Blackman reintroduced the bill by attaching it to an unrelated piece of legislation, facilitating its progress through the House with a considerable 54-1 vote.

Now, the bill will return to the Senate for further consideration. Advocates believe it is essential for safeguarding the dignity of military service, while opponents warn about the precedent it may set for political accountability.